In Memory: Joan de Napoli, Age 89
Joan de Napoli (née Ferreri) of Rye, New York, at age 89 on September 2, 2023. Loving mother of Joyce (Michael) McNiff and Robert. Cherished grandmother of Christopher and Cara. Dear sister of Ellen Aversa and sister-in-law of Lou (Anne) DiNapoli. She was predeceased by her parents, Vincent and Jeanne Ferreri, her devoted husband of 51 years, Dr. Robert de Napoli, and her dear brother, Dr. Carl Ferreri. Also survived by a loving extended family of special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on November 7, 1933, Joan graduated from St. Brendan’s High School and St. John’s University Teachers College and taught elementary school for 8 years, 3 of which were in San Antonio, Texas. She was a devoted doctor’s wife, loyal to her religion, a PTA volunteer, a church organist, took piano lessons at Carnegie Hall, played basketball and was a cello player in high school and above all, was an avid bridge player for over 50 years.
She was the Bridge Chairman at the Westchester Country Club for 32 years in which she developed the program there to what it is today. She was also a long time member of the Westchester Country Club for 56 years and was recently honored at their 100 year Centennial Celebration. She was a 15 year member of the Just Dance Troupe in her 40’s and 50’s, that provided entertainment at senior centers, nursing homes and other community events.
She loved Broadway shows, traveling, solitaire, crossword puzzles, the game show network, and mostly being with her extended family for all occasions and holidays at her sister Ellen’s house. She had an especially close relationship with her daughter, Joyce, whose love and devotion to her was unparalleled over the years and her appreciation of that was immense.
Her greatest joys were her 2 grandchildren, Christopher and Cara. They meant the absolute world to her. She was a number one supporter for all of their numerous performances throughout elementary, middle, high school, college and professional. She was so proud of their talent and accomplishments and thoroughly enjoyed every show watching them shine. She shined a lot too!
Joan was kind, smart, generous, talented, stylish, fun, spirited, loving, beautiful inside and out and a huge presence in her family. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mass of Christian Burial Friday, September 8, 2023 at 11 AM at the Church of the Resurrection, Rye, NY. Burial will be private. Arrangements by Graham Funeral Home, Rye, NY.
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